Christina Aguilera was born December 18, 1980, in Staten Island, New York. She is the daughter of an Ecuadorian father, Fausto, and a Irish mother, Shelly. Since her father was in the military she moved around quite a bit in the initial years. Her parents separated when she was seven, and she settled with her sister and mom in Wexford, Pensylvania. Her mother was a professional pianist.

Christina first began performing in school talent shows. As an eight-year-old she appeared on the nationally syndicated "Star Search", at age ten she sang the National Anthem for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Penguins, and then, at age 12 landed a spot on the "New Mickey Mouse Club" appearing on the Orlando-based show along with several other future stars, including Britney Spears, J.C. and Justin of 'N Sync and the star of "Felicity", Keri Russell.

Her self-titled debut album was released on August 24th, 1999, and sold more than 250,000 copies within one week of being released. It spawned the hits Genie in a Bottle, Come on Over and What a Girl Wants. She also had a hit with Pink, Courtesy of BMG and Lil Kim with the Moulin Rouge song, Lady Marmalade. Christina subsequently went on to win the 1999 Grammy Award for Best New Artist.

From the sparkling upbeat dance-pop of the first single, "Genie In A Bottle," to the guitar driven, heartfelt fun of "What A Girl Wants", to the soulful gospel strains of "So Emotional" and the truly awe-inspiring ballad, "I Turn To You", Christina's powerful affecting voice intertwines the themes of finding your own identity with the uncertainties of growing up.

Christina's celebrity charm has graced the covers of many national magazines, which include Entertainment Weekly, Teen People and Latina. She has performed as a musical guest on Saturday Night Live and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.

Christina Aguilera recently collaborated with Andrea Bocelli on the song "Somos Novios (It's Impossible)" for his album Amore, due for release in January-February 2006 (USA: 31st January, Australia: 4th February, International: 24th February, UK: 6th March). The song leaked to the net on January 21, 2006.